NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 2 owner complaints for the 2002 Mitsubishi Nativa. Most complaints involve electrical system (1) and tires (1). The EPA rates it 17–20 mpg combined.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“POWER FAIURE TO MY 2002 MITSUBISHI NATIVA. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS I'VE TRIED TO START MY SUV AND ALTHOUGH BATTERY IS NEW AND NO LIGHTS LEFT ON IT DOES NOT START. I'VE HAD TO JUMP START MY VEHICLE. I KNOW SOMEONE WHO ALSO HAS A MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS. *AK”
“THE VEHICLE STALLED AT A LOW SPEED.*JB”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nativa 2WD (Puerto Rico Only) Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 22 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Nativa 2WD (Puerto Rico Only) Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Nativa 2WD (Puerto Rico Only) Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Nativa 4WD (Puerto Rico Only) Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (1), tires (1), engine and engine cooling (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Mitsubishi Nativa at 17–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).